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Fort Jefferson & The Dry Tortugas At the southernmost tip of the Continental United States lies the island paradise Key West with its own unique charm and laid back lifestyle - Famous for Hemingway, sunset celebrations and much more. However the end of US 1 is just the beginning, let the Dry Tortugas Ferry or the Seaplanes of Key West take you a further 70 miles (112.9km) west of Key West, Florida, out over the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico to America's most inaccessible National Park - The Dry Tortugas - Fort Jefferson on Garden Key.
	The Dry Tortugas National Park consists of seven tiny islands composed of coral reefs, white sandy beaches and the surrounding tropical waters. The area is known for its famous bird and marine life, and its legends of pirates and sunken gold, and sheer unspoiled beauty. Ft. Jefferson, the largest of the 19th century American coastal forts is a central feature. When Ponce De Leon originally discovered these islands (in 1513) he named them "Las Tortugas" (meaning "the turtles" in Spanish) because of the abundance of sea turtles that provisioned his ships with fresh meat, but there was no fresh water - the Tortugas were dry. Even though hunting drastically reduced their numbers, many varieties of the species are still present in the area. The Dry Tortugas National Park is dominated by its’ central feature, the majestic Fort Jefferson - the largest 19th century coastal fort. It's time to step back in time and explore the history that is Fort Jefferson, sunbathe on a remote palm tree lined white sand beach or snorkel the living reef in the warm crystal clear waters of this beautiful Paradise. We hope your visit is an enjoyable and memorable one.
Visitor Center in Fort Jefferson, self-guiding tours, Ranger-led activities, bird and wildlife watching, picnicking, salt water sport fishing, snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving, interpretive exhibits, a picnic area. The Florida National Parks and Monuments Association bookstore at the visitor center features books, videos, and related products about the flora, fauna, and history of the park. http://www.FortJefferson.com
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